The Connection that Grew Two Businesses 

In industries driven by technical expertise and customer trust, partnerships often make the difference between simply completing a job and delivering real value. For Jason Dreyer and Seth Plyter, two business owners operating in New York’s energy efficiency space, their collaboration began with a series of small connections that culminated at a conference. 

Although the two had spoken on the phone before, their first face-to-face meeting happened at a regional conference in Saratoga Springs, NY hosted by the Building Performance Association (BPA). Like many in their region, both were already participating in programs through NYSERDA, though their roles differed. Dreyer’s business, Climate Giant Insulation & Weatherization, focuses on insulation, while Plyter’s business, Hughesco of Rochester, a Buffalo Energy company, specializes in HVAC systems.  

Their eventual partnership, however, can be traced back to something even more fundamental: a shared electrician.  

“We had partnered with another HVAC company before,” Dreyer explained, “but that relationship ended. They weren’t connected with NYSERDA or Empower+, and it just wasn’t working.” The turning point came when their mutual electrician, who was already working within the NYSERDA program, suggested Plyter as a potential partner. 

That introduction proved invaluable. “We were already using the same electrician, already moving in similar circles,” Dreyer said. “It just made sense.” 

After the conference, the companies starting working on multiple jobs together, and realized they found something special. For Dreyer, handing off a customer challenge to Plyter brought a sense of relief. “He’s good with customer service. It’s reassuring to know there’s a real person handling things the right way.” 

That emphasis on doing things “the right way” is central to both of their businesses. Plyter highlighted how difficult it can be to find dependable professionals who not only execute the technical work correctly but also communicate effectively with customers. “The combination of quality work and strong customer interaction is rare,” he said. 

Their growing partnership also reflects a broader truth about the industry: success often depends on strong local networks built by small businesses. Plyter’s company operates across nine counties, from Rochester to Buffalo, and he sees collaboration as essential to meeting customer needs while supporting partners like Dreyer. “We’re trying to help him achieve what he wants,” Plyter explained, “but we do that by working together.” 

The conference itself played a crucial role in strengthening that relationship as neither knew the other would be there. “We were just mingling at happy hour,” Dryer recalled, when they realized who each other was. Recalling their previous few phone calls, they were both excited to meet in person. “That’s what it’s about…meeting people, making those connections.” 

For Dreyer, the BPA conference experience was eye-opening. “It was the first conference I’d been to that felt like that,” he said. “The camaraderie, the openness, the ability to influence the area you’re trying to make a living in. It all stood out.” 

What impressed him most about the conference was the willingness of experienced professionals to share knowledge. “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Dreyer said. “But if something’s broken, I want to know. And the people there are willing to help, even if they’re company owners themselves. That’s huge.” 

Plyter, a longtime attendee of industry conferences, agreed. Having participated in regional events since 2008, he’s seen firsthand how rare this kind of collaborative culture can be. “It’s interesting to see a group of people who genuinely want to help each other,” he said. “In most industries, you don’t see competitors helping competitors improve.” 

He believes that mindset benefits everyone. “There aren’t a ton of people doing this work. The better everyone gets, the better we all do. A rising tide lifts all boats.” 

That spirit of shared growth extends beyond business partnerships. Dreyer, who is focused on expanding his expertise in areas like heat pump modeling, sees these relationships as essential for professional development. “I want to learn how to better assist people and grow my company,” he said. “You do that by watching others, by seeing how they got where they are.” 

Reputation also played a role in shaping their collaboration. Before even meeting Plyter in person, Dreyer had heard about him from others at the conference. “Everyone I talked to had some interaction with Seth,” he said. “There was already a level of trust there.” 

That trust, built through both reputation and direct interaction, is now forming the foundation of their working relationship. 

Their story also highlights the challenges facing the industry, particularly as larger corporate structures enter the space. Dreyer referenced a previous partner that had been acquired by a private equity-backed service company. “They centralized HR and banking out of state,” he said. “It became hard to maintain the continuity we had before.” 

In contrast, smaller, locally rooted partnerships like Dreyer and Plyter’s offer flexibility, accountability, and a more personal approach. 

As the two business owners looked forward to multiple projects they’d be working on together, they both expressed their partnership as more than just a business arrangement. It was the result of shared values, mutual respect, and a network that rewards collaboration over competition. 

In an industry where trust and execution are everything, their story is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful opportunities begin with a simple conversation.